[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 88 (Friday, May 7, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 25099-25100]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-11013]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 88 / Friday, May 7, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 25099]]

                Proclamation 8513 of April 30, 2010

                
Jewish American Heritage Month, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In 1883, the Jewish American poet Emma Lazarus composed 
                a sonnet, entitled ``The New Colossus,'' to help raise 
                funds for erecting the Statue of Liberty. Twenty years 
                later, a plaque was affixed to the completed statue, 
                inscribed with her words: ``Give me your tired, your 
                poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe 
                free....'' These poignant words still speak to us 
                today, reminding us of our Nation's promise as a beacon 
                to all who are denied freedom and opportunity in their 
                native lands.

                Our Nation has always been both a haven and a home for 
                Jewish Americans. Countless Jewish immigrants have come 
                to our shores seeking better lives and opportunities, 
                from those who arrived in New Amsterdam long before 
                America's birth, to those of the past century who 
                sought refuge from the horrors of pogroms and the 
                Holocaust. As they have immeasurably enriched our 
                national culture, Jewish Americans have also maintained 
                their own unique identity. During Jewish American 
                Heritage Month we celebrate this proud history and 
                honor the invaluable contributions Jewish Americans 
                have made to our Nation.

                The Jewish American story is an essential chapter of 
                the American narrative. It is one of refuge from 
                persecution; of commitment to service, faith, 
                democracy, and peace; and of tireless work to achieve 
                success. As leaders in every facet of American life--
                from athletics, entertainment, and the arts to 
                academia, business, government, and our Armed Forces--
                Jewish Americans have shaped our Nation and helped 
                steer the course of our history. We are a stronger and 
                more hopeful country because so many Jews from around 
                the world have made America their home.

                Today, Jewish Americans carry on their culture's 
                tradition of ``tikkun olam''--or ``to repair the 
                world''--through good deeds and service. As they honor 
                and maintain their ancient heritage, they set a 
                positive example for all Americans and continue to 
                strengthen our Nation.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim May 2010 as Jewish 
                American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to 
                observe this month with appropriate programs, 
                activities, and ceremonies to celebrate the heritage 
                and contributions of Jewish Americans.

[[Page 25100]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of April, in the year two thousand ten, 
                and of the Independence of the United States of America 
                the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-11013
Filed 5-6-10; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P